What Is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a medication used to treat stomach and esophagus conditions. Known as a proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole is sold over-the-counter and in stronger doses with a prescription. It is available as an oral tablet and liquid suspension, and medical personnel might administer it as an injection for certain patients. The dose is determined by the severity of the patient's stomach or esophageal issues and by the patient's other medical conditions. As an oral tablet, omeprazole is available in strengths of ten, twenty, and forty milligrams. Individuals of Asian descent often need a lower dose of this medicine than other patients, particularly in cases where omeprazole is being used to treat erosive esophagitis.

The major uses, side effects, and drug interactions associated with omeprazole are discussed below.

How It Works

As a proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole works by suppressing the secretion of stomach acid. It blocks the action of the proton pump, an enzyme system located on the surface of the gastric parietal cells. Omeprazole blocks the last step in the process of stomach acid production, and it starts to work within one hour after it is taken by mouth. The full effect of the medicine is normally felt within two hours, and omeprazole can continue to inhibit stomach acid secretion for up to three days after a single dose. Once omeprazole is discontinued, the patient's stomach acid levels will return to their baseline after three to five days.

Keep reading to learn about the uses for omeprazole next.

Uses For Omeprazole

Prescription omeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and stomach infections caused by the H. pylori bacteria. The medication can also be used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and erosive esophagitis, a condition in which there is acid-related damage to the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). The over-the-counter version of omeprazole is used to treat heartburn that occurs at least two days a week in adults. It should not be taken for more than fourteen days without consulting a doctor, and it is not intended for the immediate relief of heartburn. Prescription omeprazole can be given to children who are at least twelve months old, and patients who use this form of the medicine should continue to take it even if they feel well; patients will need to talk with a doctor before stopping the prescription.

Get familiar with the potential side effects of omeprazole next.